Atavistic

"Actually," I tell the downstairs neighbors, "lately I've taken to wearing earplugs to bed, because the dog wakes up in the middle of the night and tries to dig to China."

"And then goes, 'Ha!'" John adds, imitating her dry, frantic bark.

After I apologize, Ellen assures me she finds the dog's constant comment almost comforting in the middle of the night.

"Maybe it's easier to sleep knowing that somebody is awake at the edge of the fire, like, if the wolves come, Coco will save us," I say.

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One year ago: Stuff That Really Happened, Probably

Two years ago: The Familiars of the Gods

Three years ago: Morning - One (Psalm 34:8)

Four years ago: A Glimpse of Darkness